They acknowledged the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians and Soboba Foundation for being among the program’s strongest supporters and major contributors since day one. Zermeno said that Soboba’s generosity allowed them to award every student who submitted an application with a scholarship. Chairman Isaiah Vivanco was invited to the stage to say a few words.

“On behalf of the Tribe, I’d like to welcome you to our homeland,” he said. “We are proud to be sponsors of this program and to celebrate the accomplishments of all these great students. We can’t wait to see where their dreams take them.”

After the final breakfast in March, each Student of the Month was encouraged to complete an application to be considered as the Class of 2026 Student of the Year for their school site, resulting in eight honorees. Both districts have schools of choice that take turns attending the monthly celebrations throughout the school year and one student from each district’s rotating schools is chosen to be Student of the Year.

“Tonight we come together to recognize an incredible group of students whose resilience, character, and determination continue to inspire all of us,” Zermeno said. “Each student being honored this evening has faced challenges with courage, shown strength in their difficult moments, and continues to move forward with purpose and heart. Their stories remind us that true success is not only measured by achievements, but by perseverance, kindness, and the ability to rise above adversity.”

Guests were treated to a gourmet buffet before awards were given. The evening mirrored well-known awards ceremonies such as the Oscars and the Grammys since the results were not revealed in advance. A short video clip of each student’s speech from when they were honored during their month was played before announcing the winner for each school, after an anticipatory drum roll.

Students of the Year

Hemet Unified School District’s Student of the Year honorees are Aidan DeSanto, Nevaeh Gray, Celeste Lopez, Samantha Calvillo Navarro, and Eddie Villa. Those honored from San Jacinto Unified School District are Karen Alvarenga Quiroz, Elizabeth Schmitz, and Christian “CJ” Viramontes. Each accepted their award with gratitude to the sponsors, school personnel, friends, and family members who supported them throughout their high school journey.
As Student of the Month in February for Tahquitz High School, Aidan DeSanto will be attending Cal State, San Marcos on his path to becoming a history teacher. Nevaeh Gray was September’s Student of the Month from Hamilton High School. She is going to be studying nursing at Cal State, San Marcos in the fall. The Western Center Academy honored Celeste Lopez as Student of the Month in February. She will be studying nursing at California Baptist University. Samantha Calvillo Navarro was West Valley High School’s choice in March. She will be completing her core classes at Mt. San Jacinto College before transferring to Loma Linda on her way to becoming a sonographer. Eddie Villa was singled out in March by Hemet High School. He will attend MIT to major in nuclear science and engineering.

November’s Student of the Month for Mountain Heights Academy was Karen Alvarenga Quiroz. She will attend Cal State, San Marcos and plans to be a lawyer, medical assistant, and an actor “because I can do everything” she said. San Jacinto High School chose Elizabeth Schmitz in January. She will study business and business analytics at UC, Davis. Christian “CJ” Viramontes was honored as Student of the Month in October for San Jacinto Leadership Academy. He will begin his college education at Mt. San Jacinto College where he will major in journalism, hoping to become a sportswriter.

Additional scholarships

Individual scholarships were presented to students who were chosen for their ability to meet the criteria set by the community members or businesses who sponsored the awards.

The Adanesne Carrasco Soto Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Justin Valladares, San Jacinto Leadership Academy’s March SOM. He will attend MSJC to study to become an EMT before joining the fire department “to help this community.” Adanesne had been honored as SOM for San Jacinto High School in December of 2021. She passed away from cancer the following June, shortly after graduation.

Terry Cobb presented the Mike Christie Memorial Scholarship to Lola Elzy, Hemet High School’s SOM for December. Lola will attend San Diego State University as a biology major on a pre-med track. Terry said she and her late husband, Mike, met at Hemet High School. Zermeno said Mike Christie created the Student of the Month website in 2012 at the beginning of the program and that losing him was a great loss to the community.

The $2,000 Hemet Teachers’ Association Scholarship went to Jaysen Arreola, who earned Hemet High School’s SOM recognition in September. He will be studying geology at UC, Berkeley with the intention of becoming a paleontologist. The award was presented by Hemet High School teacher James Walsh.

The Dr. Koka & Family Medical Scholarship was awarded to Erendira Soria, Hemet High School’s January SOM. She plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto College as she pursues her goal to become a nurse. Dr. Vidhya Koka said her family has had the privilege of being in this community for 22 years and this award is to congratulate and encourage people going into the healthcare field so they can come back and serve this community.

Jackie Sanchez Ibarra, Mountain Heights Academy’s SOM in March, was presented with the Daniel Lopez Jr. Memorial Scholarship. She wants to take EMT courses to become a paramedic. Daniel was named SOM in the 2015-2016 school year and died in a tragic traffic accident a few days before graduation. His parents set up the scholarship to honor students that best represent their son who always gave back to his family and community.

The Dr. Kari McGowan Memorial Scholarship was presented to Savannah Garcia, Tahquitz High School’s December SOM. Savannah is headed to Riverside Community College in the fall to study performing arts and pursue a career in the music industry. Current principal Andrew Holmes said the scholarship is designed to support a student who embodies the same qualities former principal McGowan held dear—a heart for service, a resilient work ethic, and a fierce belief in the power that education has to change lives.

Katelyn Cerpas Fuentes, January SOM for Tahquitz High School, received the Marie Quandt Memorial Scholarship. She will be attending Grossmont College in San Diego to prepare for a career as a laboratory scientist. John Norman presented the scholarship after explaining that Quandt had been a very active woman in the community who showed up for kids. He said, “The support that she provided is like the support that I see a lot of the teachers and administrators giving.”

Shannon Murdaugh presented the Sizzler/BMW Management Inc. Scholarship to Diego Gomez, Western Center Academy’s SOM for November on behalf of Sally Myers. Diego will be studying engineering at California Baptist University before pursuing his career as a civil engineer in the water industry. The local SOM program is based on the one started by Myers of Sizzler/BMW Management Inc. more than 30 years ago. Her programs have since spawned more than 20 variations in San Diego, Riverside and Orange counties, including several in the Inland Empire overseen by Zermeno.

The Cassi Tichy Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Lily Snow, who was SOM in September from the Academy of Innovation. Lily has not yet decided on her future plans. Cassi was Hemet High School’s Student of the Year for 2016-2017. She had been chosen as SOM while battling a rare form of cancer. The award was presented by Hemet Unified School District Superintendent Christi Barrett.

Closing Remarks

“Students, this is not just an award; this is a testament to all of the challenges that you have overcome and are currently overcoming,” Zermeno said. “But you are ready to face the world because you have shown that you can overcome anything. You have shown that you have built your character and your strength and you use those

strengths to help others. Your kindness has carried you through and we hear the stories of your perseverance and helping others. Congratulations again to our students of 2025-26.”

To learn more about the program and to view monthly videos, please visit www.studentofthemonth.net.

The post Student of the Year scholarships awarded in the San Jacinto Valley appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Local program founder and Student of the Month Committee member Karena Zermeno-Leon emceed the event. She also represents program sponsors Karena Zermeno Realtor and Cave Restaurant at Oak Mountain Winery. Each student was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past and/or current challenges and future goals with a room full of supporters that included principals, teachers, peers and family members, as well as community and school district dignitaries.

March’s students of the month from Hemet Unified School District are Benjamin Barbee, Janeya Gulley, Samantha Calvillo Navarro, Jamyr Pech, and Eddie Villa. San Jacinto Unified honorees for March are Jackie Sanchez Ibarra, Jeremy Morales, and Justin Valladares.

Hemet Unified School District

Benjamin Barbee

Alessandro High School Principal Matthew Centofranchi said Benjamin is no stranger to adversity both in his personal life and his academic career. He said the young man left a deep impression on everyone in his time at Alessandro High School. Welding instructor Joshua O’Neal spoke on behalf of many of Benjamin’s teachers who described him as a student with grit and resilience, someone who asks for help, works through challenges, and continues trying different strategies until he finds success. Benjamin said when his mother passed away during seventh grade, he began to give up on things. “When my junior year came around, my cousin and my papa both also passed away and I felt like I was in the gutters,” he said. He transferred to Alessandro even though he still wanted to drop out of school but found teachers who kept pushing him to do his best. At the start of his senior year, he suffered a head injury in a minibike accident and although this set him back in his schoolwork, he got the support he needed to get back on track. “I went through bad outcomes and I’m getting to the good outcomes,” Benjamin said. He plans to attend trade school and become a diesel technician.

Janeya Gulley

Tahquitz High School Principal Andrew Holmes introduced Janeya as a model scholar and athlete. “We’re very proud that she was the captain of our basketball team and she was one of the all-stars of our inaugural girls flag football team and a big part of the success that team had.” Janeya said when she thinks about her greatest contribution to her family and community, it is being someone others can rely on, encouraging others, and helping create a positive environment. “One of the challenges that I’ve overcome is learning to manage stress, overcome self-doubt, and understand that it is okay to ask for help sometimes,” Janeya said. “One of the most important lessons I will take with me to college is that growth comes from challenges. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, improve, and become stronger over time. I’ve learned that being determined and open-minded can help you overcome more than you think. In the future, I hope to give back to my community by using my education and career to help others, such as supporting people through mental health challenges, working in health care, or simply being someone who helps others feel heard.” Janeya plans to study psychology and pursue a career in the medical field.

Samantha Calvillo Navarro

West Valley High School Counselor Shannon Vargas said Samantha is the definition of resilience and ambition. She isn’t just finishing high school, she’s launching into her future after successfully completing the rigorous certified nursing assistant program that is newly offered through Hemet Unified School District. “Samantha is an amazing example of why it is a great day to be a Mustang,” Vargas said. A major obstacle Samantha overcame and faced was thinking she was never going to make it through high school. At the start of freshman year, she found it very difficult to adjust to new teachers, their teaching methods, new faces, students, and the environment overall. But after viewing a social media post about sonography, she knew that was the career path she wanted to pursue and began to research what she needed to do to achieve that goal. “A significant life lesson I learned was to accept the value of dedication and failure. In order for good things to happen, you need to be dedicated to putting in the time and effort.” Samantha hopes to become a musculoskeletal sonographer after completing studies at MSJC and Loma Linda University.

Jamyr Pech

Academy of Innovation CTE digital media teacher Keely Bunn described Jamyr as a great example of kindness, perseverance, and integrity. “He’s always willing to help and lend a hand when needed and is so polite,” she said.

Bunn said Jamyr is very passionate about video games and art, which has been wonderful to see especially in the CTE classes. “In CTE we go on many field trips to get the kids out of the classroom and into the real world and Jamyr is always the first to sign up. He loves to go out and experience the world by going to new places and learning new things,” she said. “He has great communication skills, and I have no doubt that it will help him to become a compassionate leader once he graduates.” Jamyr plans to start his next education chapter at Mt. San Jacinto College as a way to explore career options that he would find interesting.

Eddie Villa

Hemet High School Principal Jeff Franks introduced Eddie as a four-year varsity golfer, a four-year mock trial member, and a key member of the math team that competed in the Riverside County math competition and took first place. He is also Hemet High’s valedictorian. Eddie shared that he was born with a small fluid sack in place of where his kidney should have been. “As a result, I ended up as the strange kid who would just sit out from every sport or physical activity with contact because if it were to rupture or leak my death would be very probable; surgery wasn’t really an option either,” Eddie said. Joining Mock Trial made a huge difference and gave him a place where he finally felt seen. “I’ve worked hard as Mock Trial captain to make sure that my teammates feel a part of the community, and I carry that outside of Mock Trial as the golf captain now,” Eddie said. He is also an officer is several clubs on campus including the student run D and D Club where he serves as president. Eddie hopes to attend MIT and then pursue a career in nuclear engineering in order to produce cleaner energy sources.

San Jacinto Unified School District

Jackie Sanchez Ibarra

Mountain View High School’s Independent Study program is Mountain Heights Academy which Jackie enrolled in this past October. “One important lesson I always remind myself is that no matter how hard something may seem or is, if you truly want it and put your mind to it, you can accomplish it,” Jackie said. “Before attending Mountain Heights Academy, I didn’t think I would be able to graduate. School was very difficult for me, and I was always too shy or too embarrassed to ask for help.” Receiving support and encouragement at the school made a huge difference in her academics. “Growing up wasn’t always easy, but I was raised by my hardworking mother and my grandmother who sadly passed away in 2018. My father was in and out of prison until he eventually got deported to Mexico.” She said attending the independent study program allows her flexibility to be there for her family during the rough times. She plans to attend MSJC to take an EMT course and pursue a career as a paramedic. “By becoming a paramedic, I hope to give back to my community by supporting families and individuals during times of crisis,” Jackie said.

Jeremy Morales

San Jacinto High School Principal Lloyd Sheppard said his very first memory of Jeremy was seeing him perform as one of the members of the school’s Ballet Folklorico club as well as with the Mariachi Ensemble. “He is a phenomenal dancer and represents and performs with his group with a lot of pride and precision,” Sheppard said. Jeremy said that for most of his high school years, he worked hard to foster a community in which he was able to lead. “It was a process that was not only strenuous and time consuming but very much worth it,” he said. “I always like to provide guidance and skill to those who want to learn.” Jeremy leads many clubs and serves as president of the Ballet Folklorico, which he has been part of all four years. “The way I see it is the future is clouded in endless amounts of mystery,” he said. “It has taken me years of experience and delegation to finally be able to create an environment where I’m able to really look past today with hints of hope and not just as something to deal with after this day ends.”

Justin Valladares

San Jacinto Leadership Academy custodian David Zamudio said that although he doesn’t interact with Justin in the classroom on an academic level, he does interact with him daily out on the campus. Justin has attended the school since sixth grade. The outstanding senior said Zamudio was an inspiration to him, teaching him how to treat others with respect and kindness. “I would help Mr. David clean up the trash during lunchtime and during SLA Harvest Festival, changing the trash bags and whatever else I could do,” Justin said. “Mr. David always did this work with a smile on his face and creating a sense of community throughout the school. Through this work alongside Mr. David, I grew to learn the importance of creating a sense of community, especially for the students who didn’t feel like they fit in.” He said a difficult life experience was working through his dyslexia and ADHD. “I had a lot of trouble focusing in class, especially with my dyslexia causing me to have trouble in reading and writing,” he said. Receiving assistance from the services available from SLA staff allowed him to boost his academic growth. Justin plans to attend MSJC, followed by firefighter academy.

For more information, www.studentofthemonth.net.

The post San Jacinto Valley students honored in March appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Local program founder and Student of the Month Committee member Karena Zermeno-Leon emceed the event. Each student was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past and/or current challenges and future goals with a room full of supporters that included principals, teachers, peers and family members, as well as community and school district dignitaries.

December’s students of the month from Hemet Unified School District are Jose Barajas, Kinsley Draganza Dialio, Lola Elzy, Savannah Garcia and Blessing Sele. Shawna Rivera from Noli Indian School was also honored.

Hemet Unified School District

Jose Barajas

Hamilton High School Principal Kari Sanchez introduced Jose as mature beyond his years. The school’s Mental Health Professional Conrad Akins said, “I proudly nominated Jose because he’s an incredible young man who has overcome great challenges with unwavering resilience. No matter what life throws at him, he remains one of the most polite, well-mannered and positive students I have ever met.” Jose said the responsibilities of living and working on a 10-acre ranch can be exhausting but the experience has taught him leadership, discipline and hard work. He plans to work in the construction industry, earn his contractor’s license and have his own business one day. “One of the hardest obstacles I had to overcome was growing up with a drug-addicted mother,” Jose said. He and his younger brother were very young when they were taken away from her and placed in the foster care system. His biological father was in jail. “Because of all that was going on, I didn’t learn how to read and write until almost fifth grade and later I found out I had a learning disability,” he said. Eventually, his aunt and uncle took the boys in and adopted them. “Moving from Los Angeles to a ranch full of animals was a huge adjustment but I immediately fell in love with the life,” Jose said. “That ranch became more than a home; it was a place where I learned responsibility, work ethic and the importance of family. The most important lesson I’ve learned in life is that it’s not what you go through that defines you but how you grow from it. I could have chosen anger or giving up but instead I chose to keep going.”

Kinsley Draganza Dialio

Academy of Innovation Principal John Bradshaw and nominating teacher April Boggess were pleased to recognize Kinsley as Student of the Month for December. “When I switched to AOI, it was probably the best choice I ever made,” the outstanding senior said. “I went to a few schools before this, and it was nothing like where I’m at now. I wasn’t able to be myself and I was always anxious about going to school. My grades would be slipping, and I didn’t like to talk.” She said things were really hard and she didn’t think there was going to be a way that she would ever look forward to going to school, especially with her poor grades. Kinsley didn’t feel like there was any way she could recover from her grades slipping so far, plus her attendance was not the best. Then she enrolled at the Academy of Innovation. “I feel really supported here and can do my best,” she said. “They gave me a reason to keep going and help people.” Kinsley plans to pursue a career in either children’s behavioral health or as a dermatology nurse practitioner. Her mother thanked the organizers and sponsors of the Student of the Month program. “Any support we can give our kids is one of the most valuable things we can do in our community,” she said.

Lola Elzy

Hemet High School Principal Jeff Franks said Lola is an outstanding student who is a leader in the AVID program and a multisport athlete. “Her hard work, dedication and perseverance in everything she does is absolutely amazing and helped us win a League title for our very first girls flag football team,” Franks said. College and Career Counselor Lauren Lloyd said Lola has been through some difficult things but instead of making excuses she chose to propel herself forward. “She just radiates positivity and is always kind,” Lloyd said. Lola was only nine years old when her father died and she saw the toll it took on her mother who fell back into substance abuse. Child Protective Services removed her from the home, and she went to live with her grandmother. Three years later she moved in with her aunt and uncle. A few months later, her grandmother passed away. “As I began high school, I started to rebel and had no care for my academics anymore and overall, I turned into someone that I wasn’t,” Lola said. She was able to turn her life around in her sophomore year and continued to grow in her junior year by joining clubs and sports. “I came to the realization that academics would be what healed me,” she said. “My academic journey provided me with a newfound happiness and faith in myself.” She plans to major in biology with the goal of pursuing a career in women’s health, research and psychology or possibly as a surgical technician.

Savannah Garcia

Tahquitz High School Principal Andrew Holmes said Savannah is a talented singer and writer.  Choral Director Christyl Thiessen said Savannah is one of a kind. She is part of the Polynesian dance team, a member of the Chamber singers and is in choir. “I believe that my greatest contribution to my school is when I help guide my peers, clarify their questions and help them achieve their goals whether it be school related or personal,” Savannah said. Her grandfather passed away when she was in 7^th grade and he was the one person she looked up to the most. “He was the strongest and smartest person I’d ever known,” she said. “After my grandpa passed, I fell into a deep depression. All my grades turned to Fs and I watched the world pass me by. I felt stuck in a hole that just kept digging itself deeper when more family members were passing away every two months.” Savannah was able to get back on track at the end of her freshman year but at the start of her junior year, her favorite teacher at the time, her choir teacher died. “She was my biggest encouragement to follow my dreams and then she was gone. I was angry at the world and didn’t want anyone to get close to me in case I got my heart broken by that pain again.” When the new choir teacher came, she said she wanted to help. “So, I thank you Mrs. Thiessen for helping to heal my heart.” Savannah said the most significant lesson she has learned is that even if the sky is falling and your whole world is crumbling beneath your feet it is you who has the power of how to react to it and choose to overcome it.

Blessing Sele

West Valley High School Principal Cynthia Leon said, “Blessing is involved in sports, clubs and all types of events. She does everything with grace and is a true role model.” Math teacher Brock Blair has known the outstanding senior since her freshman year and said, “She is exactly how her name is—she is a blessing to everyone.” Blessing said she contributes to her school through her extracurricular activities. She is editor-in-chief of yearbook, part of the Leadership team for Mustang Empire, is serving her second year as Christian Club president and is captain of the golf team. She is also part of the competitive dance team, theater, sewing club, basketball and was on the debate team last year. A personal goal she has is to become a real estate agent and go to school to major in business and finance. “I want to find something that I’m passionate about that also provides for myself and my family,” Blessing said. “There is more to college than just a major.” She said her parents came to this country from Nigeria and have worked hard to get her to where she is today. “I grew up in a Christian home so the morals to be a decent person were already built into my life,” she said. “A significant life lesson I will take with me to college is that the way I treat others can have a lasting impact, even when I don’t realize it. Small actions, offering kindness, listening without judgment, or showing respect can make someone feel valued and supported, especially in a new and stressful environment like college. I’ve learned that my words and behavior can either uplift others or discourage them; responsibility matters.”

Noli Indian School

Shawna Rivera

Noli Indian School Principal Donovan Post said Shawna is “an outstanding young woman and a joy to have in the school.” Her mother, Tanya Briones-Rivera is an employee of the school and Post praised her for hard work. He said Shawna is one of many students he has been lucky enough to have where children from the same family come through the Noli school system. “I’ve had four from her family so far,” Post said. “You get to see the differences between the siblings—how they become their own person. Shawna is on her way to becoming this year’s valedictorian.” Andrea Duran teaches Spanish and AVID at the school and has known Shawna since she started at the school in sixth grade and joined AVID in seventh. “I’ve watched her grow into a role model with strong values, responsibilities and determination,” Duran said. “In addition to her academic achievements, she has been actively involved in ASB, serving as president for the past two years where she leads with confidence, an open mind and responsibility. She inspires others and has become a strong role model for younger students.” Shawna said some of the most challenging times she has faced throughout her high school career were when she lost three close family members within two years. “During this time, I found it was very difficult to stay focused on my education or even be motivated to stay in school,” Shawna said. “It was a constant struggle to deal with grief year after year. I felt like school was irrelevant and my goals weren’t important.” With support her parents provided, she was able to learn how to process her grief and more than anything she wants to concentrate on making her parents proud and being a strong role model for her younger siblings. “Giving back to my community is important,” Shawna said. “As a Native woman, I was taught to honor our traditions and pass them on to the next generation.” She plans to study nursing, focusing on diagnostic medical sonography.

For more information, www.studentofthemonth.net.

The post San Jacinto Valley students honored in December appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Local program founder and Student of the Month Committee member Karena Zermeno-Leon emceed the event. Each student was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past and/or current challenges and future goals with a room full of supporters that included principals, teachers, peers and family members, as well as community and school district dignitaries.

November’s students of the month from Hemet Unified School District are Deanna Bailey, Jaida Gilbert, Diego Gomez, Deonys Ioane and Terrell Strong. San Jacinto Unified honorees for November are Karen Alvarenga Quiroz and Jacob Burke.

Hemet Unified School District

Deanna Bailey

Hamilton High School Principal Kari Sanchez introduced Deanna as a “phenomenal student and leader on campus.” Attendance clerk and Cheer coach Darian Henderson said she has watched Deanna lead the cheer team with strength, passion and genuine care for everyone around her. She serves as captain with grace, all while balancing multiple AP classes, Girl Scouts and helping care for her two disabled family members at home. Deanna feels her greatest contribution is helping others and tries to make a positive difference wherever she can. “I’ve learned that small acts of kindness can have a big impact on people,” she said. The outstanding senior plans to major in biology with a goal of becoming a physician assistant. She said it wasn’t easy for her to find a way to juggle three varsity sports, maintain good grades, be social, and prioritize family time but she did so with determination and faith. “The most important lesson I’ve learned is that success isn’t about grades or awards—it’s about effort, attitude, and kindness,” Deanna said. “Those are the things that truly define who we are and how we’ll make a difference in the world.”

Jaida Gilbert

Hemet High School Principal Jeff Franks said, “Many of you have had the pleasure of hearing Jaida sing the national anthem at various district events; she’s an outstanding singer and also an outstanding student.” Her CTE First Responder teacher Wayne Eder said Jaida was in the program when it started last year. “I also test people to become firefighters and police officers,” he said. “Jaida completed physical testing and requirements and became certified as a wildland firefighter.” Growing up in Texas, Jaida’s family was involved with the AME Church that came under scrutiny that caused the family personal and financial struggles. At 13, her mother was diagnosed with leukemia and at 14, Jaida developed POTS partially due to large amounts of personal trauma she had suffered. “Recreational activities such as choir and sports became a way for me to relax and a start to my healing process,” Jaida said. “Over time, I have learned to turn the anger and hurt that I felt once before into determination and positivity. I’ve now found a strong passion within the healthcare pathway, and I hope to major in nursing at California Lutheran University to become a certified pediatric nurse.”

Diego Gomez

Western Center Academy Executive Director Paul Bailey said Diego is a bit of a “pied piper” on campus in that everybody wants to be able to follow him. Teacher Melanie Thornburg said Diego continues to inspire others with his perseverance. “He’s our hype man for everything,” she said. Diego thanked his parents for always pushing him to be the best he could be. “In my sophomore year, I took an all-weighted class schedule, played three sports and fit salsa dancing into the mix,” Diego said. “My parents pushed me to accomplish all that while also dealing with personal challenges.” Being dyslexic, he admits to being a slow reader and learner in grade school, but his parents would not let that stand in the way of him challenging himself academically. Although his IEP (Individualized Education Program) allowed him to have certain accommodations, his mother did not want him to be treated as less than the other students. “Late last year, I became partially blind,” Diego said. “It’s been a challenge to overcome, and I lost a lot of motivation, but my parents pushed me to overcome things.” He plans to attend California Baptist University to study engineering.

Deonys Ioane

West Valley High School chose to honor Deonys for November. She is a straight-A student who is co-captain of the volleyball team where she plays starting center. “I believe my greatest contribution to my family is being responsible and supportive,” she said. “I do my part around the house, I help with my siblings when my parents are busy with work, I stay focused on my goals, and I try to set a good example for my siblings.” Deonys plans to major in kinesiology with the goal of becoming an athletic trainer for a college or professional sports team. “The biggest challenge I faced was being a military kid,” she said. “This meant moving every three years and starting at a new school. It was fun being able to travel around the world, but I always wanted to stay in one place.” During the time her father served in the Marine Corps, Deonys has lived in three different states and spent six years in Japan where she attended three different schools. Looking back, Deonys said she is thankful for the challenges she endured. “Because they have taught me resilience, adaptability and independence,” she said.

Terrell Strong

Tahquitz High School Principal Andrew Holmes described Terrell as the ideal recipient for the Student of the Month award. “He’s an exceptional athlete whose athleticism is second to none; he is a true joy to watch on the football field. He’s a superstar on both sides of the field,” Holmes said. Counselor Kelly Duggins has known Terrell since he was a freshman. “He has taken a lot of hits on and off the field, but I can tell you he has a lot of grit,” she said. “Every time he’s been knocked down, he pops right back up.” Terrell’s father passed away in 2022 and he said, “It was hard for me to grasp mentally and physically because he was my coach, he was my everything. With him not being here, it was difficult.” Terrell said he had to learn how to push himself physically and academically because there was no one there to tell him what to do. But with support from school staff, family and the Lord, he was able to get through it. He thanked some of “the people who have helped me turn my pain into purpose.”

San Jacinto Unified School District

Karen Alvarenga Quiroz

Mountain Heights Academy selected independent studies student Karen for November. Her teacher Sarah Heritage said that after working through some personal issues, Karen is back on track. She was planning to graduate early but decided to stay on and join the Film & Media class and enroll in the CTE Health Careers pathway this year. “I think my greatest contribution to my school and community has been simply being myself, someone who tries to live by kindness, love and peace,” Karen said. “I’ve learned that sometimes the most meaningful impacts come from small things like encouraging others, lending a hand when someone needs it, and showing compassion.” She said that four years ago she didn’t have a plan for herself. “During my sophomore year I struggled a lot, and I was placed in treatment for an eating disorder,” Karen said. “Now I have many dreams and I’m going to chase them all.” She wants to work with the movie industry, help those in hospice care, study law, work in a bakery and rescue animals. “I only get one life, and I want to fill it with as much as I can,” Karen said.

Jacob Burke

San Jacinto Middle College High School instructor Lt.Col. Michael Howard said, “Jacob has risen to the top two percent of my JROTC program to become a member of the cadre, one of the top five cadet officers who lead the entire unit of 190 cadets. He has excelled in leadership roles since his freshman year.” Howard said that what makes Jacob truly extraordinary is that he continues to pile up achievements while enduring multiple surgeries, physical therapy and daily pains. “Courage, determination and optimism like this I have not seen in my 10 years as a teacher,” he said. Jacob said his greatest contribution to his community is his time. “I’ve learned that showing up consistently makes a real impact,” he said. He plans to study aerospace engineering. “My goal is to design sustainable systems that solve real world problems,” Jacob said. “But the path hasn’t been easy. Just a few weeks ago I had major spinal surgery; in fact, I’ve undergone 39 surgical procedures in my life. These experiences taught me resilience but more importantly they taught me that clarity and structure unlock confidence. Whether I’m solving equations or presenting ideas, organizing my thoughts leads to better outcomes and deeper understanding.”

For more information, www.studentofthemonth.net.

The post San Jacinto Valley students honored in November appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Local program founder and Student of the Month Committee member Karena Zermeno emceed the event. Each student was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past and/or current challenges and future goals with a room full of supporters that included principals, teachers, peers and family members, as well as community and school district dignitaries.

March’s students of the month from Hemet Unified School District are Crista Graf, Josiah Mills, Parshv Patel, and Luci Washburn. San Jacinto Unified honorees for March are Aubriana Boyer, Joshua Coleman, and Cole Wilson. Arionna Ward from Noli Indian School was also honored.

Hemet Unified School District

Crista Graf

Hemet High School Assistant Principal Hannah Plaza said Crista is an active leader in numerous groups on campus and an accomplished AP student who has been in AVID all four years. Her AP psychology teacher Jamie Killebrew is also teaching student leadership this year and said as a PLUS (Peer Leaders Uniting Students) leader, Crista single-handedly organized this year’s toy drive. The outstanding senior is also part of the Breakfast Club, the Multicultural Club and Ballet Folklorico, where she consistently demonstrates initiative, leadership and a willingness to take on challenges. “Being the oldest daughter in my family, I was always taught to be independent and to take care of others,” Crista said. “My dad was my number one supporter. He was the one who taught me perseverance, but never would I have guessed that I would have to use that perseverance to deal with grief.” Four days before Christmas 2023, her father unexpectedly died. “Grief consumed my every thought for months,” Crista said. “I soon realized that instead of learning how to live without him, I had to learn how to live for him.” She decided that everything she did would have a purpose that would make him proud. “I found my purpose while struggling with loss,” Crista said. She plans to become a pediatric oncology nurse and eventually a nurse practitioner.

Josiah Mills

Alessandro High School Principal Matthew Centofranchi introduced Josiah by saying that many, like himself, grew up taking a lot of things such as health and a solid place to live, for granted. He said speaking with Josiah, a student that has faced adversity, provides a whole new perspective. “In talking to him, you’d never know what he stood up to,” he said. Josiah’s teacher Ashley Yazarloo said she uses the words of Duke University’s women’s basketball coach Kara Lawson as a theme in her classroom. It’s about not waiting for life to get easier because life is hard and learning how to handle hard better. “Josiah’s essence is determination, perseverance and an unstoppable drive to achieve his goals,” Yazarloo said. “This is a kid who has shown that he can handle hard better.” Josiah said his journey has always been a bit rocky and that while all his experiences were not traumatic, they definitely left a mark. From homelessness, fires, epileptic seizures and so much more, he said all his experiences led to helping him shape the perspective he now has. “While some may settle for quick fixes or temporary solutions, I believe in reimagining possibilities,” Josiah said. He wants to attend Palomar College to pursue a degree in engineering for a career as an architectural engineer. “I plan to create spaces that bring people together, hopefully fostering a more positive and inclusive environment,” he said.

Parshv Patel

West Valley High School Principal Gerardo Zavala introduced Parshv as a student who is deeply passionate about math, physics and data science, seeing numbers not just as equations but as tools to shape the real world. “His drive for learning goes beyond the classroom where he has completed 12 self-taught college courses, six specialized data science certificates and over 350 hours of programming courses from top universities and companies,” Zavala said. He plays varsity tennis, is president of the Math Club, is a LINK Crew member and a dedicated after school tutor. When his family moved to America from India two years ago, Parshv said he felt behind and took seven classes in his junior year, all while navigating a new culture, an unfamiliar education system and financial hardships. “I had no friends; I felt like an outsider, and I was depressed,” he said. “My confidence began to crumble.” Parshv said thinking of his family’s sacrifices for his future fueled his ambition and led to him being ranked number one in his senior class. He wants to attend Stanford University to major in data science and statistics. “For me, university is an opportunity to transform my curiosity into innovation and impact,” Parshv said. “My passion for data science is driven by a desire to solve real-life issues in climate change, health care and insufficiencies that hold communities back.”

Jorge Silva

Tahquitz High School Principal Andrew Holmes said, “While faced with challenges early in his high school career, Jorge has demonstrated incredible resilience, excels in advanced Spanish and CTE classes and is the starter on the school’s varsity soccer team. His Spanish III teacher Virginia Shaw said that despite starting high school with a .07 GPA due to circumstances totally beyond his control, he was able to get back on track. His mother was battling cancer three years ago, which is why Jorge’s schoolwork suffered, but she is alive today and grateful to see her son be honored as Student of the Month. Jorge said, “I believe my greatest contribution ever was to my family.” The most difficult challenge he had to overcome was his credit deficiency. When he arrived at Tahquitz as a freshman, he was missing more than 60 credits. But by taking seven periods a semester and classes over the summers, he overcame that obstacle and is graduating with his peers. He plans to attend UCR and become a child psychologist. “A life lesson I will take with me to college is to always have the most faith in God’s timing,” he said. “Maybe it’s not for today, maybe it’s not for tomorrow or even next month, but when it’s truly meant to be, it will come.”  

Luci Washburn

Hamilton High School music teacher Lovina Leon introduced Luci. “As a music teacher, I have the opportunity to see students grow, develop skills and make a difference and Luci has truly stood out,” she said. “She’s had to deal with a lot of challenges, not only here at school but at home, caring for her mom and helping extra around the house.” Luci said she doesn’t recognize challenges and just pushes through like something normal is happening. She said she enjoyed spending a lot of time home alone while her mother worked and her father was busy helping others in the community. When her mother broke her foot at work on New Year’s she was forced to stay home every day and all day – the complete opposite of what this active woman was used to doing. Luci had to step up to clean everything and take over making dinner, all on top of school, sports and band obligations. Everyone was stressed out and then in February, her grandfather was in a serious truck accident in Anza that put him in the hospital. Luci spent weeks helping her grandmother and parents get through it all. She has plans to become a civil engineer.

San Jacinto Unified School District

Aubriana Boyer

San Jacinto High School agriculture teacher Jill Scott met Aubriana two years ago in her Introduction to Floral Design class. She said the program offers a lot for students but it’s up to them to pursue the opportunities, and Aubriana has done that. “The biggest obstacle I’ve faced in my life is overcoming my mental health,” the senior said. “For most of my life, I was emotionally and verbally abused and that really affected my mental health and overall view of the world.” She said during her first two years of high school she didn’t see a lot of hope for her future and didn’t see the importance of school. She failed many classes and had difficulty getting out of bed each morning. “Going into my junior year, my mom moved out and my dad moved back home,” Aubriana said. “I joined floral design and felt my passion for school come back. The FFA program has given me many opportunities to give back to my community.” She plans to major in business at MSJC. “I never thought I could go to college due to how badly I did in my first two years of high school, but I joined AVID this year and it’s helped me see a lot of the resources and opportunities that I have,” Aubriana said. “In the future, I would love to be an agriculture teacher like Ms. Scott.”

Joshua Coleman

San Jacinto Leadership Academy Principal Michael Luna recalls meeting Joshua when he was a teacher at SJLA and Joshua was in sixth grade. Joshua started his speech by saying, “I believe everyone has a choice in life; everyone in and outside this building has the opportunity express themselves whether that is through their academics or in my case, creativity.” He said that during his elementary school years, he endured challenging times of adversity at the schools he attended. “I was bullied continuously and stuck to myself not knowing what the best option was,” Joshua said. “I felt alone, nervous and out of control as if I was not living in my own body. My grades were negatively affected as a result, and I fell into a depression.” He turned to his family and found solace in watching movies, YouTube videos and playing video games. Joshua said his life turned around when he joined the Lion family at SJLA in sixth grade. “My teachers and friends gave me the mental boost I needed to learn that not everyone in life is after you nor are they trying to belittle you,” he said. He began developing his creativity through Photoshop and slide shows and has decided to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, possibly as a film director. “Everyone has something unique they can be talented at,” Joshua said.

Cole Wilson

Mountain Heights Academy chose to honor Cole, who has been accepted to five colleges already where he plans to study astrophysics. He said his greatest contribution to his community is working at the Western Science Center where he prepares fossils for display and teaches science to elementary age children. After suffering a brain injury at birth that caused hydrocephalus, leading to multiple surgeries and hospitalizations, Cole has more than one learning disability and poor vision. “Recently, I was diagnosed with a rare nerve condition that reduced my mobility and caused me to move to online classes,” he said. “The most significant life lesson I will take with me to college is to not put limitations on yourself just because you have a disability.” Cole said he recently found out that doctors had told his parents that he would probably be severely mentally disabled and that his prospects for a normal life were dim, but they never told him. “I never thought to limit myself other than maybe I shouldn’t be a pilot, but that still didn’t stop me from taking an aviation course,” Cole said. “I plan to give back to my community by expanding our understanding of the universe and our role within in.”

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

Arionna Ward was chosen to represent Noli Indian School as Student of the Month. Principal Donovan Post said her mother had been a student of his when she attended Noli. A member of the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians and the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians, she has been commuting from Mountain Center to San Jacinto to attend Noli since her sophomore year. Arionna has already been named as the school’s salutatorian for the 2025 graduating class. “I believe my greatest contribution to my community is being a traditional cook with my family,” Arionna said. “Being a traditional cook is a challenging task due to cooking for wakes, funerals and other celebrations.” She is planning to continue her education in business management and finance and has received acceptance letters and scholarships from UCR, University of Redlands and Northern Arizona University. Obstacles she has overcome include her father leaving the family when she was five years old and her grandfather, who stepped into a father figure role for her, passing when Arionna was 13. She also suffered the loss of her great grandmother when she was 16. “Although I did not have a great childhood growing up, by Native standards we had it pretty good,” she said.

Closing remarks

The breakfast ended with guest speaker Ed Delgado sharing his personal story with all the students. The Moreno Valley City Council member and 10-year U.S. Coast Guard veteran retired after a 25-year career with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. He continues to give back to the community through his work as an Adjunct Instructor for Moreno Valley College, where he teaches leadership courses to young adults within the law enforcement profession. He also speaks at special academy engagements and ceremonies. Delgado noted all of the opportunities he was given and all of the advancements he received in both his military and public service positions. “I don’t tell you all this to brag but to show you what’s possible,” Delgado said. He had a rough start in life with a father who didn’t work and a mother on public assistance. After his mother left the family, he stayed with his father because he wasn’t forced to attend school. His teen years were spent drinking and ditching school. In 1989, he saw a Coast Guard recruitment commercial on television and earned his GED so he could meet the enlistment requirements. At 19, he was stationed across the country and said, “I had to prove to myself that I was better than I was raised.” He said he was grateful for all the opportunities he was given to make a difference and feels his life experiences prepared him well. “Do not ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do something,” Delgado told all the students in the room.

For more information, www.studentofthemonth.net.

The post San Jacinto Valley students honored in March appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Local program founder and Student of the Month Committee member Karena Zermeno emceed the event. Each student was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past and/or current challenges and future goals with a room full of supporters that included principals, teachers, peers and family members, as well as community and school district dignitaries.

February’s students of the month from Hemet Unified School District are Tagan Brown, Jesse Castenada, Saniyah Dalton, Alexis Larsen and Odessa Whitmer. San Jacinto Unified honorees for February are A’naej’e Cook and Malaya Saah. Daigan Cyhan from Noli Indian School was also honored.

Hemet Unified School District

Tagan Brown

Western Center Academy chose to honor Tagan this month. Teacher and Christian Club advisor Benjamin Brandt has known her since her freshman year. Tagan is the oldest child with six younger siblings and shares a birthday with her six-year-old brother Maverick. In October of 2020, he fell off the couch and they thought it was just a typical toddler spill. It turned out he had suffered a stroke, and the fall actually fractured his skull. After undergoing emergency brain surgery, he was left paralyzed and mentally handicapped. It changed all their lives. “At this all-time low of my life, I became a Christian and found God, which I think is my most defining feature,” she said. It has helped her through many bumps in the road and has pushed her to be kinder, more compassionate, patient and joyful. “I have learned I want to become a special education teacher,” Tagan said. She has been accepted at Northern Arizona University’s Honors College. “Because I’m the oldest sibling, I’ve had to be a leader from a very young age,” she said. She is involved with her school’s ASB and LINK Crew, is president of the Christian Club and has volunteered with the Ramona outdoor play throughout high school. “My experience has taught me that life is a precious gift that we should all cherish, and I plan to cherish it to the fullest,” Tagan said.

Jesse Castenada

Tahquitz High School Principal Andrew Holmes described Jesse as a varsity basketball player and an outstanding track athlete who is also gaining real world experience by working part time. His English teacher, Molly Otis, said Jesse actively engages in everything they do in class. “Jesse exhibits an ‘I CAN’ attitude – imagination, commitment, affirmation and he never gives up,” she said. Jesse hopes to attend UC, Berkeley or UC, Irvine to study business administration. “I have a passion to become an entrepreneur and to build something meaningful and to prove that where you come from doesn’t determine where you can go,” he said. His father was deported when Jesse was very young, so he had to learn many things on his own. “I had to be strong for my mother even on the days when I just wanted to be a kid,” he said. “But life doesn’t wait for you to be ready. It knocks you down and either you stay down or you get back up and I chose to get back up, but I didn’t do it alone. My brother George taught me responsibility when I had no one else to show me, school taught me accountability and playing sports taught me discipline. Pain is temporary but giving up lasts forever.” He said one of the most powerful lessons he learned that he will take with him to college is to take advantage of every opportunity God sends your way.

Saniyah Dalton

West Valley High School Principal Gerardo Zavala introduced Saniyah as this month’s choice for Student of the Month. He said, “Saniyah’s passion for service goes beyond school; she wants to study law and go into politics to be a strong and honest leader.” Shereen Johnson is her English teacher and Black Student Union advisor who said Saniyah is a dedicated teacher’s assistant, varsity cheerleader and stunt cheerleader who is known for her integrity and kindness. “I believe my greatest contribution to my school, family and community is leadership,” Saniyah said. “Leadership is more than just a title or position; it’s about the impact I make on my surroundings and the way I inspire and guide others. Being an older girl on the cheer team, many of the younger girls look up to me for guidance with any of their problems with family and school. At home, leadership means being responsible, supportive and understanding. In my community, as I’m in many clubs, leadership is supporting that advisor and listening to what people in the club want and need, making sure everyone has a voice.” She was just starting high school when her father died from cancer. “I had to navigate the profound loss of someone who was my guide, my protector and my role model,” Saniyah said. “I was stuck in the grief of losing my dad. It became hard to focus.” Although she admits healing is not a straight line, she has been able to move forward. She plans to attend Xavier University of Louisiana to study political science and government.

Alexis Larsen

The Academy of Innovation is an independent study school who chose to honor Alexis this month. Keely Bunn is the CTE Visual Arts teacher who has worked with Alexis for the past three years. “She’s an intelligent young woman who always turns in quality work,” she said. “She has faced some major challenges in her life that have shaped who she is today.” Alexis said she experienced severe trauma that completely changed her life and the plans she had for her future after her parents divorced when she was 11. “We moved to a new city, and I had to start over at a new school,” she said. “Those changes were overwhelming, and I struggled with anxiety so much that even walking into school felt impossible.” Over time and with determination and support, she learned how to manage her anxiety and refocus on her goals. “Starting high school was a turning point,” Alexis said. “I saw my situation as a reality check. Watching my single mother work two jobs to support us motivated me to push myself even harder.” She joined ASB as a freshman and is serving as its president this year. She plans to major in education at college. “No matter what challenges we face, we have the power to overcome them and shape our own futures,” Alexis said.

Odessa Whitmer

Hamilton High School CTE teacher Alex Williams said Odessa is excelling in athletics, earning CIF honors and MVP recognition in varsity wrestling and varsity track and field. “She serves our community in various roles through her membership in ASB and she is one of the students selected for our CTE nursing internship program with Temecula Valley Hospital Volunteer Foundation,” Williams shared. Odessa said that she has faced many challenges throughout her life, but they shaped her into the person she is today. She was only 10 years old when she learned of her father’s drinking problem, and it caused her severe anxiety and OCD and she couldn’t sleep. Her parents divorced when she was 11 but she would visit him and see he was still drinking. She said that even after a physical assault from her father that left visible marks and mental scars on her, she didn’t want to see him go to jail. “I know he is sick and always will be,” Odessa said. “My philosophy, which inspired me to pursue a law degree, is my belief that every person has a voice that deserves to be heard and sometimes all they need is a helping hand.”

San Jacinto Unified School District

A’naej’e Cook

San Jacinto High School selected A’neaej’e and Assistant Principal Antoinette Miles spoke on behalf of the AVID teacher who nominated her but could not be there. She described the outstanding senior as a “natural born leader whose presence and contributions positively impact everyone around her.” A’naej’e said that even though AVID is a college preparatory class, it was more than that for her because she found a space where she felt safe, heard and supported. She said she will always be grateful to the teacher for her guidance and belief in her. She feels her greatest contribution is her willingness to help whenever she is needed. “I’ve always tried to show up for my school and my community,” A’naej’e said. “High school has taught me that the small actions, whether it’s volunteering, mentoring or simply encouraging someone, can make a big difference. I want to be remembered as someone who not only worked hard but also uplifted others along the way.” Her dream is to become a registered pediatric nurse, specializing in neonatal intensive care. She said she did not have a stable home or attend a school regularly growing up due to moving so often. But she feels these experiences helped her to build strong communication skills. “Connections matter,” A’naej’e said. She currently serves as ASB Senior Class President, vice president for AVID and president of the Black Student Union.

Malaya Saah

Mountain View High School chose to honor Malaya who has recently graduated and is attending Mt. San Jacinto College. Her teacher Trisha Ochoa said, “Malaya has faced challenges that would discourage many but through moments of hardship and self-doubt, she found strength, learned the importance of grace and embraced the support of those who believed in her,” she said. “Malaya’s journey at Mountain View wasn’t just about academic success – it was about rediscovering her potential and stepping into the person she was always meant to be.” Malaya said she was always hard on herself and felt inferior if she asked for help so her mental health declined. She acted out at home and resented her family and others which led to her being sent away from home and into foster care where she continued to make poor choices. Eventually, she returned home and enrolled at the high school and was able to get back on the right path. “Mountain View is a chapter in my life that I will never forget and continue to embrace,” Malaya said. “Throughout my rollercoaster of a journey, I have been able to discover who I am and give myself grace while accepting the fact that I am only human.” She is studying law and public policy with plans to eventually become a prosecuting attorney.

Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians

Daigan Cyhan was chosen to represent Noli Indian School as Student of the Month. Principal Donovan Post said the school offers middle and high school courses for any student from a federally recognized Tribe within about an 85-mile radius. Daigan pushes that limit by commuting from the Los Coyotes Reservation in northern San Diego County. “I take it as an honor to have these students attend Noli because they can easily attend a school that is a lot closer to their homes,” Post said. “This young man plays sports and other things and gets home around 1 a.m. and then gets up at 4:30 a.m. to catch the bus to come back to school; it’s amazing. He’s been with us his entire high school years and he exemplifies everything we want in our students as far as leadership, determination, not giving up and doing everything that is required. But more importantly, it’s his cultural values and what it means to be a Native American right now in today’s society.” His mother, Tashina Ornelas, is the Culture teacher at Noli and said Daigan is her oldest of eight children. She said it has been a great experience having her son as a student in her classroom where she can mentor him, and he can see the relationship between teachers and community. She grew up in the San Jacinto Valley with the Soboba community and said the commute is worth it. Daigan said, “I believe my greatest contribution to my community is when I help out with cultural events. My mom does basketweaving and things like that and I like to help out, teaching the kids and being there to offer my assistance.” He hopes to attend UCR to major in biology and then continue onto medical school to eventually be an anesthesiologist or radiologist. He has had to overcome some obstacles, including being disenrolled from his Tribe. “It’s kind of hard to express what that felt like, getting kicked out of your own community,” Daigan said. “It’s like shameful almost, feeling like you did something wrong, but you didn’t. It really hurts but it’s something that I lived through, and I’m still involved with the community as much as possible. I’m still part of Pechanga – just not documented; that’s my people and I’ll forever be a part of them.” Daigan gives back to the community by continuing to share the cultural knowledge he has learned from his uncle, his mother and others, teaching the youth how to keep the traditions alive.

For more information, www.studentofthemonth.net.

The post San Jacinto Valley students honored in February appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Local program founder and Student of the Month Committee member Karena Zermeno emceed the event. Each student was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past and/or current challenges and future goals with a room full of supporters that included principals, teachers, peers and family members, as well as community and school district dignitaries.

January’s students of the month from Hemet Unified School District are Ernesto De Lara, Kimberly Luna, Rachel Serrano, Bouquet Vineyard and Dakota Wilson. San Jacinto Unified’s honorees for January are Jalisa Horigan and Ashley Vasquez.

Hemet Unified School District

Ernesto De Lara

West Valley High School Principal Gerardo Zavala said Ernesto’s favorite subject is history because he loves learning about the past. “He is an excellent example of a student who works hard in school, sports and in life,” Zavala said. “Outside of the classroom, his passion is soccer.” Ernesto started playing the sport when he was seven and he has achieved great things. He plans to attend Cal Baptist University to study kinesiology while playing Division I soccer and hopes to turn pro in the future. His teacher, Antonio Ramos, said Ernesto is a true team player in and out of the classroom. Through their shared passion for the sport of soccer, Ramos has seen qualities demonstrated in his student that he is sure will carry him through the future. “Soccer has helped me in many ways,” Ernesto said. “Soccer has taught me teamwork, responsibility and discipline, which I believe are very important in the sport and in real life situations.” He is grateful for the opportunity to have competed in several tournaments and a recent win is one of his proudest accomplishments as it helped him grow as a player and a leader on and off the field. He has also traveled to Maryland multiple times to compete against some of the best players around the country. “Being a student athlete has taught me the importance of balancing my priorities,” Ernesto said. “I have learned to manage my time effectively by managing school, homework, practices and games.” He enjoys giving back to the community through his volunteer work at church.

Kimberly Luna

Tahquitz High School Principal Andrew Holmes described Kimberly as a student who takes Advanced Placement classes, is in AVID, is on the cross-country, track and soccer teams as captain and volunteers her time at lunch to tutor her peers. Psychology teacher Jacquelyn Rodriguez said, “What’s truly remarkable about her is her ability to balance it all. She’s always understood that being a student comes first, even with a demanding schedule. I’ve seen her prioritize her academics with a maturity beyond her years. Excellence goes far beyond academics and athletics with Kim because she also has one of the biggest hearts you’ll meet on campus. It’s not about how she can lift up herself but it’s about how she can lift up those in the community and those around her, which is something that I admire about her most.” Kimberly hopes to attend Cal Poly as a psychology major to study the mind and behavior to help in her future career as an occupational therapist. “I struggled with stress and anxiety throughout high school,” she said. “It’s important to work hard for the things you want and in return our goals can be met. There is a reward for how much effort and hard work you put in.” A significant life lesson she said she learned is that there is more than one opportunity around her, and she just needs to discover what they are. She hopes to continue to give back to her school by offering to tutor younger classmates.

Rachel Serrano

Alessandro High School Principal Matt Centofranchi shared that his school is intended to be a credit-recovery school and looking at Rachel’s transcripts when she enrolled in her junior year showed a lot of good grades until her sophomore year, which was totally missing. She is now an all-star student who is excelling in the Welding Technology program, one of the school’s CTE pathways. Welding teacher Joshua O’Neal said he was impressed that Rachel was not afraid to try anything new. “Her resilience, faith and work ethic are truly amazing and her ability to inspire those around her is something I deeply admire,” he said. Rachel is the third oldest of seven children and when she was in second grade, her world was turned upside down when her and her siblings were taken away from their mother and scattered to different homes. “Living in foster and group homes, I learned that attachment was a luxury; losing people and places became a part of life,” Rachel said. “By the time I was 12, I had faced challenges no child should have to endure.” On her 13^th birthday, she reached a breaking point and was put in a mental hospital because she was struggling with thoughts of suicide. In 2023, she spent a year with her father in Guatemala, which proved to be a turning point for her. The following year, Rachel went to live with an aunt and uncle and enrolled at Alessandro. She hopes to become a certified welder and enter the field as a career. “I’ve learned to seek the positive in every obstacle, even when it’s hard,” she said.

Bouquet Vineyard

Hemet High School selected Bouquet this month and Principal Jeff Franks introduced her as a three-sport athlete in swimming, golf and water polo, who was named Homecoming Queen, is a member of the school’s band, and is in the top 10 of her 550-member senior class. She was nominated by her counselor, Dawn Sonnier, whose statement was read by teacher Lindsay Brown in her absence. Sonnier has known Bouquet for five years through her older sister, Meadow, who wanted to be part of Daisy Chain, an award given to the top-ranked juniors who are recognized for their academic achievement and lead the seniors at graduation. Although Meadow didn’t make it, she asked Sonnier to guide Bouquet so that she would, and she did. “The past four years of my life have been a difficult journey,” Bouquet said. In 2020, her mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer and Bouquet spent all her time taking care of her while balancing schoolwork, sports and extracurriculars. “On September 12, 2024, mom lost her hard-fought battle. Navigating life without my mom’s help and support has been confusing but I know one thing for sure – I want to keep her fun-loving, encouraging and inclusive spirit alive through what I do and how I treat others every day,” Bouquet said. She plans to study English Education in college in hopes of becoming a teacher, just like her mother, who served the San Jacinto Unified School District for 25 years. “I know that God will guide my feet every step of the way and I hope to be a light the way my mom was,” Bouquet said.

Dakota Wilson

Hamilton High School Principal Kari Sanchez said that last year Dakota was one of four juniors who won a Leadership Trip to Washington, DC through the Anza Electric Co-Op. “She has courage, confidence and is always looking outside of herself,” Sanchez said. Rose Fickes has been Dakota’s art and photography teacher all four years of high school. As editor-in-chief of yearbook and president of the Yearbook Club, she said Dakota oversees everything from the designing to the final production. As president of the Mud Club, she organizes fundraisers and events to provide students with opportunities to explore ceramics. Dakota said she enjoys being very active in the rural community of Anza. “My aspirations are in the field of forensic science, specifically crime scene photography,” she said. She knows this is something most people don’t have the stomach to do but she sees it as yet another way she can give back by providing evidence that will bring justice for victims. “Last October, my father was diagnosed with cancer, which is a hard thing as I’m an only child and it’s just me and my parents living in the middle of nowhere,” Dakota said. She credits her father with teaching her how to be a part of the community as she grew up watching him help their neighbors. She was grateful to see the community reach out to the family with food and offers to help when they heard about her father’s diagnosis and showed her that something so horrible can still bring people together. Dakota enjoys working with middle school students and did so regularly when she was a member of Hamilton’s Color Guard.

San Jacinto Unified School District

Jalisa Horigan

San Jacinto High School selected Jalisa as this month’s honoree. Her math teacher, Mayra Aldana, said Jalisa ranks third in her class and takes Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, college and honors classes while serving as vice president of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) and LINK Crew, both organizations that are close to Aldana’s heart. Jalisa feels her greatest contribution to the community is her ability to empathize and connect with others, especially those who have been made to feel lost or unseen. “Through LINK Crew, I’m able to create relationships with freshmen that we meet and guide through their high school journey and through HOSA I’m able to channel my passion for the healthcare field,” Jalisa said. She wants to become a psychiatrist to help people navigate life’s challenges. She shared that her birth mother took her brother and her away from their father at a very young age and were basically homeless as they moved around a lot. “I witnessed a lot of things such as verbal and physical abuse,” Jalisa said. When she was in first grade, her mother lost custody of the children and they went to live with their father, which led to a lot of pain. Their stepmother went to prison and their father lost his job, leading the children to be raised by extended family members for three years. Her father is now in medical school and Jalisa said she has chosen to take her pain and turn it into purpose. “I hope others see that no matter where you come from, you can overcome, you can exceed and you can make a difference,” Jalisa said.

Ashley Vasquez

San Jacinto Leadership Academy Principal Mike Luna introduced Priscilla Grijalva, counselor at the 6-12 grade school, to talk about Ashley. “She truly takes the initiative to seek out counseling as needed,” Grijalva said. “As a Lion, she continues to roar to success and beyond.” When Ashley was 12 years old, her mother died from having a seizure, heart attack and stroke all at once. This led to Ashley being taken out of the final two months of her sixth-grade year. The following year she was removed from her father’s home due to a toxic environment. Her and her younger brother were placed into foster care and lived in different homes, all with their own rules. Ashley said it was hard to find the stability she really needed during her teen years. When she was finally placed with her current foster mother, she was able to improve. “Her home is a sanctuary defined by structure and an abundance of love,” Ashley said. “She has taught me so many valuable lessons that I try to apply to my life such as cleanliness, manners and selflessness. But most importantly, she has taught me to deepen my relationship with God.” Ashley wants to pursue nursing, eventually working as a forensic nurse. She shared a Maya Angelou quote that she found to be true for her: “Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs. The ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what.”

For more information, www.studentofthemonth.net.

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Local program founder and Student of the Month Committee member Karena Zermeno, who also represents one of the sponsors Altura Credit Union, emceed the event. Each student was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past and/or current challenges and future goals with a room full of supporters that included principals, teachers, peers and family members, as well as community and school district dignitaries.

October’s students of the month from Hemet Unified School District are Brooklynn Batlle, Maximus Pimentel, Shonclee Rene and Cyclaly Hernandez Villa. San Jacinto Unified’s honorees for October are Stephanie Alcala, Kristi Chadha and Calvin Maxwell.

Hemet Unified School District

Brooklynn Batlle

Hemet High School singled out Brooklynn this month and teacher James Walsh coached her in Mock Trial where he said she was “instantly amazing.” He also coached her in tennis where she excelled. Brooklynn said, “From a very young age, I always wanted to prove I was worthy at the opportunity of life.” Being born to a teenaged mother led to her becoming a second parent to her siblings and having to grow up too fast. “As a young woman, I admire my mother’s will to do everything on her own but as a daughter, I had so much resentment towards here,” Brooklynn said. “By age 8, I was insecure in myself and always anxious.” Her mother’s new boyfriend led to Brooklynn being a secondhand victim to domestic violence and to her mother becoming a drug addict. The family became homeless, and Brooklynn lived in and out of motels most of her young life. Eventually she went to live with her grandmother but in 2018, she and her brother were able to go back to her mother, who had given birth to another daughter. Brooklynn could not escape her feelings of helplessness as anxiety and stress continued to consume her. “I thought I was broken as a person,” she said. In her junior year, she overfilled her plate to look better to others and in March of this year, she attempted suicide as a cry for help. So far in her senior year, she holds a 4.6 GPA, is president of AVID and plays varsity tennis, along with being involved with many community service clubs. Brooklynn plans to attend Cal Poly for her bachelor’s degree in animal science and then attend veterinarian school at UC, Davis. “There is something so special about helping a being that can’t help themselves and gaining that trust,” Brooklynn said.

Maximus “Ace” Pimentel

West Valley High School Principal Gerardo Zavala said Maximus has played football all four years, serving as captain for the past two and has led the team with his competitive spirit as both a linebacker and running back. “He often says that the best part of football has been the friendships and bonds he’s found with his teammates,” Zavala said. “Off the field, Maximus excels academically with math being his favorite subject. He’s also a dedicated member of our Folklorico group, following in the footsteps of his aunts who danced at the college level.” Maximus is also involved with LINK Crew and has been on the track, wrestling and stunt cheer teams. “Four years ago, during the pandemic, my family decided to leave L.A. for a quieter and less crowded place,” Maximus said. “I felt a mix of confusion and apprehension, realized that this move would be a significant life event with a major impact on me.” He said it wasn’t easy leaving everything behind and transitioning to a new school after being in the same school district from preschool through eighth grade, surrounded by friends, familiar teachers and the support of the community. Maximus tried to find his social footing by joining clubs, sports and extracurricular activities. “It is important for me to promote cultural awareness and to show that it’s okay to engage in activities that are often stereotyped as gender specific,” he said. “I proudly joined West Valley Folklorico as the first male dancer in a class of 18 girls. Since then, other boys have followed suit. Don’t limit yourself; seek out opportunities to be selfless.” Maximum plans to major in engineering at college and said the most important lesson he’s learned is to treat his grades like a paycheck, knowing that hard work is essential for a bright future.

Shonclee Rene

Alessandro High School Principal Matthew Centofranchi introduced Shonclee as a member of the Newcomer Academy at the continuation high school that is designed for students who are deficient in credits and new to this country. “Since coming to the school, she has been a superstar,” he said. “Everybody that has gotten to know Shonclee sees her as an inspiration. She embodies characteristics that we strive to see in our students, in ourselves, in our own children. She is resilient, she is dependable, dedicated, positive and an absolutely wonderful student to be around.” Teacher Javier Zamora said that after 25 years as a teacher, he had to redo everything he thought he knew about teaching to match the needs of the students in the Newcomer program that began last school year. Shonclee speaks four languages and is enrolled in Alessandro’s First Responder CTE pathway. She is on track to graduate this month and plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto College before transferring to a four-year university to pursue a career in the medical field. She said many people die every day in her home country because crime is so rampant on the streets. When she turned 18, her parents stayed behind but sent Shonclee to America. “I hope and pray God will protect them every day,” she said. “I know how lucky I am to be able to come here so I can have a better life.”

Cyclaly Hernandez Villa

Hamilton High School selected Cyclaly as their Student of the Month for October. Nominating teacher Mary Kleinvachter taught Cyclaly in her World History class as a sophomore and this year in AP Government and Politics. “When she first entered high school, she got a diagnosis that would change the course of what she would do in high school,” Kleinvachter said. “She’s taken that energy and turned it into positivity and exceling in academics.” Cyclaly said, “I believe my greatest contribution to my community is volunteering as part of NHS (National Honor Society) with blood drives and veterans’ outreach.” She plans to become a math teacher and wants to return to Anza after college to also continue her volunteer work. Cyclaly was diagnosed with limb girdle muscular dystrophy, a rare genetic disease that causes muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass. While it was difficult to learn this, she said it answered the questions she had long had about why she couldn’t do some of the things her peers could do. “I’ve had to change my dreams because of my disability,” Cyclaly said. She loved the sport of basketball and had hoped to play in high school but couldn’t as her condition worsened. “I’ve had to face looks and comments from peers and strangers,” she said, adding that others should surround themselves with people that will support them in their life and impact it positively.

San Jacinto Unified School District

Stephanie Alcala

San Jacinto High School math teacher and baseball coach Merlin Torres said he met Stephanie in her sophomore year when she started doing stats for the team at the urging of a friend and classmate. “She is one of 1,200 students I’ve had since I started teaching and I will never forget her kindness,” Torres said. Stephanie was born in Texas and moved to California when she was four. While living in Orange County, she suffered a lot of abuse and sexual harassment. She began therapy at the age of six and lived in a one-bedroom apartment with her two sisters and parents. After struggling for a few years, they moved to San Jacinto where they found better opportunities for housing and schooling. “This changed me in good and bad ways,” Stephanie said. “I was labeled a bad kid because I couldn’t sit still. It’s safe to say we all understand pain and challenges of life but the way we work through those challenges is what makes us who we are. What we have endured and what we continue to endure is what pushes us to never want to stop to reach our successes. Every student here today can understand that being a student in these times is genuinely hard. I have always been told that I wasn’t smart, and I felt that way for a long time. People may come and go but God never leaves and never fails. I am here because of him but also because of my math teacher, Mr. Merlin Torres and my English teacher Mr. (Stiven) Castillo; they really helped me up again and pushed me to want something better for my future.” Stephanie plans to earn her college degree before starting California Highway Patrol training.

Kristi Chadha

San Jacinto Leadership Academy is new to the SOM program as this is the first year it has had a senior class, making the selection of Kristi extra special. Interim Principal Vince Record said staff cites Kristi as an inspiration to others at the rigorous school. Nominating teacher Matt Corum said, “As teachers, we only get to see a little slice of our students’ lives” but added that when seniors begin to write more about themselves for college essays, teachers learn more about them. When he read through Kristi’s essays, he learned that when she saw one of her friends struggling with food insecurity, she decided to do something about it and started a nonprofit to combat the problem. “I saw that as an incredible feat of selflessness and that’s why I nominated Kristi to be our school’s first ever Student of the Month,” Corum said. Kristi said when she learned that a large percentage of residents in the San Jacinto Valley are either low income or unhoused, she felt called to help in the best way that she could. “Helping others is something I always felt passionate about and that passion led me to create Supplies for Humanity, a nonprofit focused on addressing food insecurity in this community,” she said. “With a dedicated team of student volunteers from schools across the San Jacinto Valley, we’ve been able to help the needs of our own neighbors and in turn strengthen the bonds within our community.” Kristi is the founder and president of her campus’ Diversity Club to provide spaces for open dialogue and understanding between students of different backgrounds. She also founded the Guiding Lines mentoring program, which pairs older students with younger ones to offer guidance and support to navigate school. She has a passion for medicine and hopes to attend UCLA to major in biology and eventually practice pediatric medicine. “I want to be the kind of doctor who helps children feel seen and understood and cared for during their most vulnerable moments,” Kristi said.

Calvin Maxwell

Mountain View High School’s honoree for October is Calvin, who principal Ken Swanson described as the little engine who could. “He keeps chugging along and will get to the top of that hill,” he said. Teacher Trish Ochoa noted how Calvin made a powerful choice to transform his situation. “He’s put in the effort, showing that with dedication, hard work and the right mindset, it’s never too late to get back on track,” she said. Calvin said being at Mountain View helped him a lot. “It was rough growing up,” he said. “I had a single mom, and she worked her butt off to get us help in every way possible and I love her for that. My older sister died and that put a hole in us, and it was hard to get over that.” Because of rising housing costs, the family moved around a lot and Calvin and his siblings had to attend different schools. Once they got back on their feet, COVID hit, and he found online learning to be very difficult. “During my junior year, I was told how far behind I was, and it made me give up on myself but then Mountain View helped me,” Calvin said. He plans to major in computer science in college. “Never stop believing in yourself,” he said.

For more information, www.studentofthemonth.net.

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Program founder and event hostess Karena Zermeno also represents one of the sponsors, Altura Credit Union. She welcomed everyone to the event and said as the program concludes its eleventh year, she wanted to take the opportunity to acknowledge the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, Soboba Trial Council and Soboba Foundation for being one of the program’s biggest supporters from day one.

“We’re celebrating our students for their character, their love of learning and their commitment to academics in addition to their involvement in their school, community and home,” she said. “But especially because of the resiliency they’ve shown in overcoming difficult life challenges and still managing to do good in school.”

She said the reason she was so passionate about bringing this program to the San Jacinto Valley under the mentorship of Sally A. Myers from Sizzler/BMW Management Inc. was very personal. “I was that high school student who could never be that 4.0 or honor roll student but I tried and gave it my thousand percent,” Zermeno said. “I wanted a space where we can acknowledge and honor those students and that’s the Student of the Month/Student of the Year program. If you’ve been a part of the monthly program, you know the heart of our students and their dedication to not only improve themselves but to also improve their family. They say, ‘what is a great mind without a great heart’ and all of our students here tonight share that same virtue – great hearts.”

After the final breakfast in March, each Student of the Month was encouraged to complete an application to be considered as the Class of 2024 Student of the Year for their school site, resulting in seven honorees. The Academy of Innovation, Alessandro High School and Western Center Academy are under the umbrella of Hemet Schools of Choice and attend twice per year each. One student out of all three schools is chosen for Student of the Year.

The evening mirrored well-known awards ceremonies such as the Oscars and the Grammys since the results were not revealed in advance. A short video clip of each student’s speech from when they were honored during their month was played before announcing the winner for each school.

Hemet Unified School District’s Student of the Year honorees are Natalie Perez Flores, Daniel Mendoza, Jasmine Moralez, Jocelyn Ochoa and Ubaldo Puente. Those honored from San Jacinto Unified School District are Desiree Hernandez and Leslye Osuna. Each accepted their award with gratitude to the sponsors and the school personnel and family members who supported them throughout their high school journey.

Desiree Hernandez
As Student of the Month in December for Mountain View High School, Desiree is currently attending Mt. San Jacinto College studying business administration while continuing her job as a small business owner.

Natalie Perez Flores
December’s Student of the Month at West Valley High School was Natalie who said her education has been the most important thing in her life and ever since she was a little girl, she has dreamt of becoming a pediatrician.

Daniel Mendoza
Hemet High School honored Daniel in October. He hopes to play football at the college level while studying kinesiology in pursuit of a career as a physical education teacher.

Jasmine Moralez
Jasmine was Hamilton High School’s choice in December. She plans to use her leadership qualities in her future career as a political scientist.

Jocelyn Ochoa
Jocelyn was singled out in February at Alessandro High School, where she immediately engaged in its CTE welding program and emerged as a beacon of inspiration and a testament to the power of self-direction and motivation.Leslye Osuna
January’s Student of the Month at San Jacinto High School was Leslye who aspires to become a registered nurse after earning her BSN because she has a passion for helping people.

Ubaldo Puente
Tahquitz High School chose Ubaldo in October. He plans to study for a career as an accountant or actuary. He wore a flower on his shirt in honor of Principal Kari McGowan, who passed away in September.

Individual scholarships were presented to students who were chosen for their ability to meet the criteria set by the community members or businesses who sponsored the awards. The name of each scholarship is followed by the name of the student, their school and the month they were selected as Student of the Month. Adanesne Carrasco Soto Memorial Scholarship: Lea Hope Raven Edwards, San Jacinto High School, March; Dr. Koka & Family Medical Scholarship: Camila Carmona, San Jacinto High School, September; Daniel Lopez Jr. Memorial Scholarship: Donald Downs, Mountain View High School, December; Dr. Kari McGowan Memorial Scholarship: Rhianna Salazar, Tahquitz High School, November; Marie Quandt Memorial Scholarship: Sahid Aguilar, San Jacinto High School, November; Sizzler/BMW Management Inc. Scholarship: Sayra Navarro, West Valley High School, March; and the Cassi Tichy Memorial Scholarship: Loren Sullivan, Hemet High School, December.

Closing Remarks

The program ended with lots of photos being taken and Zermeno thanking all the program’s committee members who make it possible to honor deserving students throughout the school year. “I ask you to find what you are passionate for and if you can’t donate financially please donate your time, your expertise,” she said to all the guests. “There are so many nonprofit organizations here in our valley that really need help and support. We can only make our community better by giving.”

For more information, www.studentofthemonth.net.

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San Jacinto Unified School District Board of Trustees member John Norman, who is also a longtime supporter of the program, served as emcee. Backpacks filled with gifts, a Student of the Month award, certificates of recognition and much more were donated by community sponsors to the award recipients.

Each student was invited to the podium to share their personal story, past challenges and future goals with a room full of supporters that included principals, teachers, peers and family members, as well as community and school district dignitaries.

March’s students of the month from Hemet Unified School District are Calvin Brown, Cayman Crayton, Emilio Francisco, Kevin Gomez and Sayra Navarro. San Jacinto Unified’s honorees for March are Michael Barranco Rivas and Lea Hope Raven Edwards.

Hemet Unified School District

Calvin Brown

Hemet High School Activities Director Lindsay Brown said that although Calvin has faced many challenges, “He has chosen to remain kind, respectful and focused on his future and to take care of the people around him.” Calvin asked, “When you think of a parent, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?” He said while many think of love, trust and comfort, it is important to acknowledge that not every household is filled with those traits. “I happen to be the victim of a home filled with mental trauma,” Calvin said. From losing his mother to cancer at a young age, suffering from a life-threatening injury, dealing with an absent father figure, and being classified as a homeless student within the district, he admits to having his fair share of tribulations. Calvin has been a member of the AFJROTC program at Hemet High School since his freshman year and said he identifies it as his first real home. Through the program he has already earned 160 community service hours. “Helping others is what changed my perspective and I want to show others that through resilience and relentlessness, anything and everything is achievable,” he said.

Cayman Crayton

Western Center Academy chose to honor Cayman and English and Theatre teacher Joshua Brady shared that she has won first place in acting competitions against top Los Angeles area schools and was recognized statewide by the California Educational Theatre Association. “She’s also an amazing student,” he said. Cayman has attended the school since sixth grade. “An important lesson that I was taught about is independence but also the strength of reaching out when help is needed,” she said. Her mother immigrated to America from El Salvador and raised Cayman as a single parent. “Her independence inspired me to try to handle things on my own,” the outstanding senior said. When she found herself overwhelmed in high school her mother let her know that she didn’t have to do everything on her own and that helped Cayman learn to emotionally rely on others. “Independence allows me to take on challenges, but I also learned from my mother the ability to acknowledge my vulnerability and hardships and ask for help when needed,” she said.

Emilio Francisco

Tahquitz High School Principal Andrew Holmes introduced Emilio as a student who participates in many extracurricular activities and enjoys his digital media, AVID and English classes. English teacher Molly Otis said, “Even though Emilio has experienced tragic hardship, he has pressed on and learned skills to make his life as best as possible.” He said, “I believe my greatest contribution to everyone is being a drummer; the type of music I play is Mexican music and I love playing,” Emilio said. “Playing an instrument feels really good in my heart because I know people really enjoy it.” He plans to attend Cal Poly to major in business and eventually earn his real estate license so he can make people’s dreams of purchasing their own home come true. When he was nine, Emilio lost his father to cancer. This led to depression, but he said the rest of his family really helped him through that tough time. “You just have to learn to accept it and move forward,” he said. “The most significant life lesson I will take to college is patience; having patience is a key to all things.”

Kevin Gomez

Hamilton High School Principal Kari Sanchez said that Kevin arrived in his junior year as a newcomer English learner from Mexico and quickly became a shining star on campus. His English Language Development teacher Josh Martin said Kevin is always excited to talk about literature and even tackles Shakespeare. Kevin said, “There are obstacles everywhere in life. In my case, language was my biggest obstacle. I came to the United States speaking only Spanish but for me it was motivational.” He said he knew he wanted to go to college, so he enrolled in AP English in his first year at Hamilton to challenge himself and to prepare for college. “I think if you put your mind into it, anything is possible and I’m proof of that,” Kevin said. His aunt said she has been inspired by her nephew’s remarkable journey and as she reflects on his journey so far, she is overwhelmed with pride.

Sayra Navarro

West Valley High School Principal Gerardo Zavala introduced Sayra as a student who has been a motivational influence on her peers and her teachers. “She uses life’s challenges as her motivation to work harder and to achieve her personal and academic goals,” he said. “She tutors friends in math, she loves history and animals, and volunteers at a local animal shelter.” Sayra said, “I think my greatest contribution to my school/community and the thing I’ve been most proud of has been the club I co-founded called Student Resources.” The program created small cubbies inside the English classrooms, stocked with hygiene products, school supplies and snacks for students who need it. Sayra has already been accepted to UC, Irvine where she plans to major in psychology with a minor in American Sign Language that she can implement into her future career as a clinical social worker.

San Jacinto Unified School District

Michael Barranco Rivas

Mountain View High School Principal Ken Swanson said Michael has made a big impact at the school in the short time he has been there. His teacher Valorie Evans said he is one of her most diligent students. She said she often tells her students, “Your ‘I will’ has to be greater than your IQ.” She said Michael is very independent and forgiving. “I think my greatest contribution is always lending a helping hand to others, cleaning up the environment and assisting others on tasks that are difficult to do alone,” Michael said. He plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto College with a goal to work in construction, landscaping or plumbing. “When my sister and I were young and lived with my mom we experienced many difficult challenges that no children should experience,” Michael shared. “I think the most significant life lesson that I would take to college is that if I fail, I can always try again and keep moving forward.”

Lea Hope Raven Edwards

San Jacinto High School’s Christine Thomas teaches AP Human Geography and is the National Honor Society advisor. She said of this month’s honoree Lea Hope Raven, “We call her Hope and it’s certainly a perfect name for this young lady because hope radiates from her. Through all her obstacles, she has always had hope.” Hope said the biggest obstacle she has faced is the loss of her father to Parkinson’s Disease in February of 2020. “Before his diagnosis, my dad was the most lively person I knew but the disease quickly reduced him to an immobile state and by the time I was in 7^th grade my family had become his full-time caregivers. Since his passing, I have become dedicated to applying the same loving energy I had for my dad into the betterment of my community.” She works as an Activities Assistant at a nursing home, and this has nurtured her passion to pursue pediatric nursing as a career. “I made a plan for myself, and I plan to carry it out,” Hope said.

This year’s Student of the Year scholarship dinner will be held May 16 at the Soboba Casino Resort Event Center.

For more information, www.studentofthemonth.net.

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